Neighborhood councils schedule forum on Santa Monica Airport concerns

The Venice Neighborhood Council and the Mar Vista Community Council will hold a joint forum next month addressing concerns of impacts of the Santa Monica Airport on Los Angeles residents.
The forum is scheduled from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 27 at the Penmar Park Recreation Center community room, 1341 Lake St., Venice.
Expert speakers will be featured from various specialties and government agencies. Invited speakers include Los Angeles City Council representatives, state Sen. Ted Lieu, Rep. Henry Waxman, Federal Aviation Administration officials, and mayoral candidates Eric Garcetti and Wendy Greuel.
Topics for discussion will include the effects from SMO on health and safety, including research findings on pollution from lead, noise and fine particulates. Other issues will include the possible closing of the airport by 2015 and proposals for banning jets and requiring departures over Santa Monica.
The community will have the chance to participate in a question and answer session to voice areas of concern and suggest solutions.
In addition, the Santa Monica Airport Committee of the Venice Neighborhood Council has studied SMO issues for over three years and will present a summary of its findings.